Clemson Football: Most overrated and underrated ‘way too early’ teams in the ACC

Overrated: North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels weren’t expected to be very competitive in Mack Brown’s first season back with the program. Instead, they surprised everyone behind the play of freshman Sam Howell. The team progressed in Howell’s sophomore season, and the hype for his junior campaign was through the roof.

Unfortunately, those prognosticators neglected to notice that several of Howell’s weapons left after his sophomore campaign. Howell was good, but he had to play hero ball and without any help, the Tar Heels were a disappointment.

Fast-forward to 2022, and the Tar Heels once again surprised everyone behind a true freshman. Drake Maye had a great season and is now considered a legitimate candidate for the Heisman. They were the last Coastal Division champions.

Mark Schlabach has North Carolina ranked 21st in his ‘way too early’ top 25, behind only Florida State and Clemson in the ACC. Much like the Tar Heels coming off the 2020 season, observers aren’t considering some personnel changes in Chapel Hill.

Josh Downs, who in two seasons has the third-most receptions in UNC history, is leaving for the NFL Draft. Three starting offensive linemen have also declared for the draft. The entire cornerback group elected to transfer. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo has left for Wisconsin.

This feels a lot like the situation the Tar Heels were in before the 2021 season. Maye is good, but unless others around him step up, he might find it hard to do it all by himself.